The Scratch Golfer's Mindset

By: Paul Salter
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  • Summary

  • Paul Salter is a triple-digit golfer on a quest to become a scratch golfer. He’s also a High-Performance Mindset Coach and Credentialed Hypnotherapist with 15 years of experience helping high performers from all walks of life get unstuck and unlock their full potential. Each week, Paul will share the emotional and mindset shifts you need to make to make mastering the mental game of golf simple, tangible, and relatable so that you can overcome the mental hazards keeping you stuck in the proverbial bunker of poor performance. He’ll also routinely keep you updated on his progress toward par while sharing a raw and vulnerable look into his own collection of mental hazards he must overcome. Whether you’re an occasional amateur, a weekend regular, or a competitor seeking a tournament trophy or your pro card, this podcast will help you play better golf.
    2024
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Golf Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology
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Episodes
  • #56: [Inside the Mind] Michael Leonard: Minimizing Mental Stress, Cultivating Consistency, Upgrading Your Identity, and Breaking 80 Regularly

    #56: [Inside the Mind] Michael Leonard: Minimizing Mental Stress, Cultivating Consistency, Upgrading Your Identity, and Breaking 80 Regularly
    Jan 2 2025
    Meet Michael Leonard - the creator of Wicked Smart Golf, a +2 handicap, and mental golf coach. He uses his five-pillar approach to help players shoot lower scores and play more consistently... without swing changes. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: The key elements to focus on changing to upgrade your identityThe power of consistency - and how to cultivate itThe importance of slowing down to regain focus after mistakesHow less is more in practice and preparation for tournamentsThe role of mindset in developing consistency and breaking 80Actionable strategies for building effective post-round reflectionsWhy mental and physical self-care off the course impacts on-course performance Get your pencils ready and start listening. P.S. You can learn and connect with both Michael and I live at The Mental Game of Golf Summit. Learn more and reserve your seat here. More About Michael Connect with him on Instagram. Watch him on YouTube. Purchase “Wicked Smart Golf” on Amazon. Subscribe to the Wicked Smart Golf Podcast. Work with Michael. Key Takeaways: The mental game’s primary goal is to reduce stress, as stress disrupts motor patterns and prevents you from swinging your best on the course.A growth mindset is critical for improving in golf; believing that improvement is possible fuels the effort needed to achieve your goals.Effective practice involves intention and structure—prioritizing deliberate, focused sessions over marathon practice that leads to burnout.Consistency in effort, even with small, incremental steps, is the foundation for long-term progress in golf and life.Managing your expectations with data-driven insights (e.g., realistic fairway hit percentages) helps avoid frustration and enhances performance.Pre- and post-shot routines, along with slowing down after mistakes, are essential tools for bouncing back from blow-up holes and staying composed.The golfer you are on the course is deeply connected to the human being you are off it—prioritizing physical, mental, and emotional well-being will elevate your performance. Key Quotes: "The whole goal of the mental game is stress is coming—it’s going to happen. No matter how good you get, you're going to hit bad shots. The key is figuring out how to calm down and get back to your process as fast as you can.""You have to have a growth mindset—if you don’t think you can improve, you won’t. But if you believe someone else did it, then you can too.""Do different to get different. If you keep practicing the same way, going through the same motions, and expecting better results, you’ll stay stuck. Challenge yourself to do what others aren’t willing to do.""Your swing is already there. It’s not going to change the day before a tournament. Sometimes the best preparation is resting, eating well, and showing up with a clear and focused mind.""Consistency beats everything. Even if it’s a mediocre practice or an okay workout, you’re still showing up. Over time, that builds belief and creates real progress.""Having the right expectations is everything. If you think you’ll hit every fairway or make every putt, you’re setting yourself up for frustration. Focus on playing your best with what you have that day.""You can’t separate the golfer from the human being. How you care for yourself emotionally, physically, and mentally off the course directly impacts how you perform on the course." Subscribe to the More Pars Than Bogeys Newsletter. This newsletter helps double-digit golfers overcome the emotional and mental hazards of their minds so that they can shoot more pars than bogeys. Each week, I’ll provide insights, principles, and strategies to help you deter distractions, find your focus, manage your emotions, and cultivate boundless confidence so that you can play to your potential. Subscribe now. Use Hypnosis to Shoot Lower Scores: Are you curious to learn how hypnosis can help you shoot lower scores? Snag my free hypnosis audio recording today to help you play your best round tomorrow. Download it here. Schedule a 1-1 mindset coaching discovery and strategy call with me - click here. For feedback, questions, or to take me out for a round of golf, shoot me an email or connect with me on social media: Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist Twitter: @parsoverbogeys Time Stamps: 00:00: Morning Routines and Productivity12:10: The Importance of Deliberate Practice24:03: Mindset and Identity in Golf30:05: Mental Game and Overcoming Mistakes32:28: Managing Emotions on the Golf Course34:15: The Importance of Expectations in Golf35:54: Breath Control and Its Impact on Performance37:55: The Role of Sleep in Golf Performance38:52: Bouncing Back from Blow Up Holes42:10: Learning from Every Round46:48: The Power of Reflection After Rounds47:39: The 'Less is More' Philosophy in Practice49:44: Goals and Excitement for the Future51:30: Dream Guests and Podcast Highlights54:05: Introducing the New Book: Blueprint to Breaking 80
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • #55: How to Set Better Golf Goals in 2025 (and my 2025 goal revealed)

    #55: How to Set Better Golf Goals in 2025 (and my 2025 goal revealed)
    Dec 26 2024
    As we approach the new year, it’s the perfect time to talk about goal setting - but not in the traditional sense. In today’s episode, I’m sharing a detailed, personal, and transformative approach to setting and achieving your ultimate golf goals. Through my own journey of going from a ~24-handicap to confidently declaring my commitment to becoming a 5-handicap by the end of 2025, I’ll walk you through the mindset shifts, identity changes, and deliberate actions required to create a clear and actionable roadmap for success. I’ll share how I’ve aligned my goals with my identity, prioritized process over outcome, and leveraged mental and emotional resilience to stay committed—even when motivation runs low. This episode is packed with actionable insights, relatable stories, and practical advice that will help you achieve breakthroughs on the course and in life. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: Why your identity is the foundation of achieving your golf goals.How to reverse engineer your goals into clear performance and process goals.The power of a deeply personal “why” to fuel your commitment.How mental and emotional training are as vital as your swing.Why progress often lags effort—and how to stay consistent through it.The role of deliberate practice in accelerating your improvement.How aligning your habits and actions with your goals transforms your game and life. Get ready to unlock your potential, redefine your approach to goal setting, and take your game - and life - to the next level. Get your pencils ready and start listening. Tickets for the Mental Game of Golf Summit are live! Make Playing to Your Potential A Habit: Unlock the mental tools and proven strategies to make playing to your potential a habit at The Mental Game of Golf Summit. Learn more and secure your ticket here. P.S. If you’re interested in learning more about how mindset coaching and hypnotherapy can help you get unstuck from the proverbial bunker of poor performance on the course and in your business, click here to schedule a coaching discovery call with me. Key Points: The Importance of Identity Change: Achieving your goals requires transforming your identity. You must align your habits, beliefs, and self-talk with the golfer you aspire to become.The Role of a Strong 'Why': A deeply personal and emotionally charged reason behind your goals serves as the anchor that keeps you motivated through challenges and setbacks.Process Over Outcome: Focusing on daily and weekly process goals—small, actionable steps—creates a roadmap that keeps you consistent and aligned with your ultimate goal.Prioritize Mental and Emotional Training: Success in golf is about more than technical skills. Developing emotional resilience, mental toughness, and the ability to access your potential on demand is crucial.Goal Clarity Simplifies Decisions: Clear, well-defined goals act as a filter for decision-making, helping you focus on what truly matters while eliminating distractions.Progress Takes Time and Trust: Results often lag behind effort. Trust in your process and stay consistent, even when visible progress isn’t immediate.Golf as a Reflection of Life: The game of golf mirrors life, offering opportunities to grow, confront fears, and become the best version of yourself both on and off the course. Key Quotes: "A goal isn't just about achieving an external result; it's about becoming a better version of yourself in the process.""If what you were doing today was enough to achieve your goal, you'd already have achieved it.""Your why is the emotional fuel that will sustain you during the inevitable grind of the process.""By aligning your habits and actions with the identity of the golfer you aspire to become, you'll improve your game a hell of a lot faster and enjoy the process of becoming the best version of yourself.""The best golfers are those who can access their potential on demand, especially under pressure.""Golf and successful golf are about so much more than the swing; it's about managing emotions, staying resilient, and playing with intention.""Your goal should make you pause, feel nervous, or even afraid—it means you're pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, which is the sweet spot for growth." Subscribe to the More Pars Than Bogeys Newsletter. This newsletter helps double-digit golfers overcome the emotional and mental hazards of their minds so that they can shoot more pars than bogeys. Each week, I’ll provide insights, principles, and strategies to help you deter distractions, find your focus, manage your emotions, and cultivate boundless confidence so that you can play to your potential. Subscribe now. Use Hypnosis to Shoot Lower Scores: Are you curious to learn how hypnosis can help you shoot lower scores? Snag my free hypnosis audio recording today to help you play your best round tomorrow. Download it here. Schedule a 1-1 mindset coaching discovery and strategy call with me - click here....
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    48 mins
  • #54: [Inside the Mind] Henry Stetina: Simplify Your Short-Game, Slow Down, and Play Better Golf

    #54: [Inside the Mind] Henry Stetina: Simplify Your Short-Game, Slow Down, and Play Better Golf
    Dec 19 2024
    Meet Henry Stetina - the Director of Player Development for the New Mexico State University PGA Golf Management Program and the Director of Instruction for Red Hawk Golf Club in Las Cruces, NM. Henry joins me for a detailed conversation on the golf swing, feel-based training, and mastering the short game. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: how to manage expectations for better performancetechniques for improving your short-gamestrategies to overcome the yipsthe value of strategic and intentional practicethe role of commitment in reaching scratch level Get your pencils ready and start listening. More About Henry Henry Stetina, PGA is the Director of Player Development for the New Mexico State University PGA Golf Management Program and the Director of Instruction for Red Hawk Golf Club in Las Cruces, NM. Henry embodies the Modern Coach philosophy by working full-time for the university and coaching a 200-player PGA Jr. League part-time, usually 10 hours per week. Henry's wife is also a PGA of America Professional and they have two daughters, MacKenzie (10) and Leila (8). Connect with Henry on Instagram. Tickets for the Mental Game of Golf Summit are live! Make Playing to Your Potential A Habit: Unlock the mental tools and proven strategies to make playing to your potential a habit at The Mental Game of Golf Summit. Learn more and secure your ticket here. P.S. If you’re interested in learning more about how mindset coaching and hypnotherapy can help you get unstuck from the proverbial bunker of poor performance on the course and in your business, click here to schedule a coaching discovery call with me. Key Points: Simplifying the short game involves managing expectations and focusing on technique.Many golfers have unrealistic expectations based on professional highlights.The yips can stem from both physical flaws and mental fears.Proper grip and setup are crucial for successful putting.Club-focused instruction aligns with how the brain learns motor skills.Slow motion practice can help identify and correct swing issues.Strategic pauses in the swing can prevent manipulation of the club.Becoming a scratch golfer requires significant time and dedication.Coaching should prioritize understanding the person behind the golfer. Key Quotes: “I believe that the improvement you make and the goals you achieve in golf will reflect the time and effort you commit to the game.”“Focus on what you want to do as opposed to what you fear might happen.”“The difference between a scratch golfer and others is the amount of time they spend playing and practicing the game.”“Most players have too high of expectations, thinking they should make all their putts within 10 feet or hit it close with a wedge every time. Tempering expectations reduces stress and allows you to play more freely.”“Slow-motion swings can help you identify whether you’re executing correctly. In golf, where precision matters, slowing down can make all the difference in building a repeatable and effective swing.” Subscribe to the More Pars Than Bogeys Newsletter. This newsletter helps double-digit golfers overcome the emotional and mental hazards of their minds so that they can shoot more pars than bogeys. Each week, I’ll provide insights, principles, and strategies to help you deter distractions, find your focus, manage your emotions, and cultivate boundless confidence so that you can play to your potential. Subscribe now. Use Hypnosis to Shoot Lower Scores: Are you curious to learn how hypnosis can help you shoot lower scores? Snag my free hypnosis audio recording today to help you play your best round tomorrow. Download it here. Schedule a 1-1 mindset coaching discovery and strategy call with me - click here. For feedback, questions, or to take me out for a round of golf, shoot me an email or connect with me on social media: Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist Twitter: @parsoverbogeysLinkedIn: Paul Salter Coaching Time Stamps: 00:00: Introduction to Henry Stetina01:58: Simplifying the Short Game06:04: Setting Realistic Expectations in Golf09:57: Understanding the Yips14:01: Fundamentals of Putting20:02: The Importance of Club-Focused Instruction26:01: The Role of Slow Motion in Practice29:46: Strategic Pauses in the Swing33:59: Personal Journey and Competitive Aspirations37:54: Advice for Aspiring Scratch Golfers
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    45 mins

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